Liverpool 3 Arsenal 3: player ratings

Marks for the starting XIs in a Premier League classic at Anfield

LIVERPOOL

Simon Mignolet Anything Adam Bogdan can do… Beaten so easily for Arsenal’s goals demonstrated he still must convince the fans, if not his club having agreed a new deal.

Nathaniel Clyne Needs to work on his passing but he was offering plenty going forward in tandem with Jordon Ibe early on. Technically, he must improve and he’s part of a back four that will never be fondly remembered.

Mamadou Sakho Played through the pain barrier to keep new signing Steven Caulker on the bench. Ultimately lost the physical battle with Giroud and the jitters from corners aren’t just due to the keeper.

Kolo Toure The former ‘invincible’ is fondly remembered by Arsenal fans. He never gives less than 100 per cent even if his presence has a makeshift look to it. Has the capacity to be admired wherever he plays regardless of errors.

Alberto Moreno Moreno has been steadily improving under Klopp and he was powering down the left hand side. Like the rest of his defenders, however, he seems more at home as far away from his own goal as possible.

Possession stats

Jordan Henderson Recalled having recovered from latest heel issue, his energy was contagious in the early stages and he must have been cursing as so much positive good work was squandered by slack defence.

James Milner Despite criticism has been sorely missed in midfield. Liverpool run more with him. There are limitations to Milner’s game but the balance of the side is much better now he is fit.

Emre Can One of the few consistent performers since Klopp took charge. Dominated early stages, typified with key role for the opening goal. Can is still a novice, but there are moments where his promise is evident.

Adam Lallana In the absence of Coutinho the onus was on Lallana to prove his worth. He was hesitant with an early opportunity but he is adept at applying Klopp’s pressing style.

Roberto Firmino scores the second goal for Liverpool

Roberto Firmino Liverpool need more from the Brazilian who has not created or scored enough. He responded emphatically with superbly taken goals. Maybe he should be held back and only play against title challengers. Excellent first half.

Jordon Ibe

Has been an inconsistent performer – understandable for his age – but the raw talent is there. Troubled Arsenal’s defence but he needs to work on his final product before being fully established.

Liverpool attacking thirds

ARSENAL

Petr Cech

Had no chance with Firmino’s brilliant second and must have feared at one stage this would be one of his busiest nights of the season. How Liverpool must wish they had a keeper of similar stature.

Hector Bellerin Had to be aware of the overlapping Moreno throughout and was fortunate in the early stages of the second half when Liverpool’s left back was free at the back post, volleying over. Improved with his team.

Laurent Koscielny

Seemed ill at ease against a fluid formation with Liverpool having no target man. The running of Lallana and Firmino made for a tricky first half, and the Brazilian got the better of him early on.

Per Mertesacker

Troubled whenever Liverpool pressed high up the pitch, never looking comfortable in possession as the red shirt scurried around him. Will be relieved Liverpool’s defence was shakier.

Nacho Monreal At times he had far too much know-how for Jordon Ibe, experience showing against the rookie winger. One of the few defenders on the pitch last night who did not seem to be craving the final whistle.

Joel Campbell Played his role in the equaliser, feeding Aaron Ramsey. Had the pace to trouble Alberto Moreno and grew into the game. Has proven an unexpected bonus for Wenger as the season progresses.

Aaron Ramsey First chance ended in a clinical finish on 14 minutes, even if it owed plenty to Mignolet’s poor reflexes. A top class talent whose composure stood out during the more hectic exchanges.

Mathieu Flamini Arsenal miss Santi Cazorla in midfield but Flamini added some steel as the visitors settled into their rhythm after a poor start. He was more suited to this fixture as it called for expert sleeve rolling before the artists could take over.

Theo Walcott

Lost possession in build up to first goal but his threat grew once Arsenal settled. After half time, the more Walcott took possession the more ominous it looked for Klopp’s side.

Mesut Ozil

For all his improvement, this is the kind of stage where you need to see Ozil step up and dominate the opponent. In truth he was an observer as his team mates wrestled control back, waiting for his moment to turn the screw.

Emre Can of Liverpool and Olivier Giroud of Arsenal

Olivier Giroud

His physical presence is fundamental to Arsenal transforming themselves from a side that once wilted in such fixtures to now having the mental capacity to dig themselves out of a trench.